# A skydiver jumps from an aircraft and falls through the air. Describe how the skydiver's acceleration changes from the moment they jump until they reach terminal velocity, and explain why these changes occur.

> Cambridge International IGCSE Physics (0625) — 1.2 Motion · Describe and explain · 4 marks

## Mark scheme (4 marks)

1. Initially, acceleration is at its maximum (equal to g / approximately 9.8 m/s²) because the only force acting is the skydiver's weight / there is no air resistance at the start
2. As speed increases, air resistance increases
3. The resultant (downward) force decreases, so acceleration decreases
4. When air resistance equals weight, the resultant force is zero, so acceleration is zero and terminal velocity is reached

## Key terms

- [terminal velocity](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/terminal-velocity)
- [acceleration](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/acceleration)

## Related

- [Revision notes for Cambridge International IGCSE Physics (0625)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/learn)
- [How to answer "Describe and explain" questions](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/tools/command-word-cheatsheet)
- [Practice this with AI marking (free)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/start)

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Source: [GradeNine](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/q/a-skydiver-jumps-from-an-aircraft-5fe8c0db) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.